This research examines factors related to acceptance of Medicaid by outpatient substance abuse programs for substance abuse services. The authors identify several factors, including funding sources, nonprofit status and state policies that correlate to the acceptance of Medicaid for substance abuse treatment.

The authors analyzed data from the 2003 to 2006 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, state Medicaid policies and other publicly available data. They used cross-sectional analyses to assess the relationship between Medicaid acceptance and county and state demographics, treatment program density and Medicaid policies.

Key Findings:

Medicaid acceptance was much higher at facilities that were publicly funded, nonprofit, accredited and located in states where Medicaid reimbursement was available for substance abuse care. Acceptance was also higher at facilities located in counties with lower average income levels.